Bantamweights

The Matchup: This is the type of matchup that can
bolster a fledgling promotion’s reputation. While WSOF certainly
relies on its fair share of big-name castoffs from larger
companies, Nam and Moraes are intriguing talents who have only just
begun to make names for themselves.

The unheralded Nam was signed and then shelved for months by
Bellator
MMA. Upon his release, the Sports Lab representative squared
off with the Chicago-based promotion’s 135-pound champion, Eduardo
Dantas, at Shooto 33 in Brazil in past August and scored one of
the year’s biggest upsets, knocking out “Dudu” with a counter right
hand 1:36 into the opening round. Dantas deserves some blame for
taking a lackadaisical approach, as he left himself open for such
an ending by rushing forward carelessly with flying knees. However,
Nam deserves credit for capitalizing on the opening, especially
since one-punch knockout power is not always easy to find in the
bantamweight division.

After gaining some much need publicity with the win, Nam was
involved in a bitter contract dispute with Bellator before the
organization declined to match WSOF’s second offer to the
Oregon-based fighter. Moraes achieved his signature win at the
WSOF’s debut event in November, using speed and a multi-faceted
striking arsenal to earn a split verdict against former
World Extreme Cagefighting ruler Miguel
Torres. The 24-year-old Florida resident has spent extensive
time training with Frankie
Edgar recently, which should only further his development.

While Nam is a good counterpuncher with solid power, Moraes -- who
took his first MMA bout at age 18 -- appears to be the more diverse
overall striker. The former Brazilian muay Thai champion has a
varied array of kicks and uses his jab well to control range. He
also works the body well, changing levels with his strikes when
needed. If the fight hits the mat, Moraes is a Brazilian jiu-jitsu
brown belt who has at times displayed a crafty submission game.
This will be Nam’s first bout in eight months, and prior to facing
Dantas, he had not fought since Oct. 1, 2011; ring rust could be a
factor, especially since his encounter with the Bellator champion
was so brief.

The Pick: Moraes will respect Nam’s power, using
whipping leg kicks and his jab to keep his foe at bay. If Moraes
elects to push the tempo and be the aggressor, he must be wary of
Nam’s powerful counters. Moraes wins by decision.